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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Illinois' largest GOP donor files for divorce

CHICAGO - Chicago hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin is rated as the world's 240th richest, but money evidently isn't buying happiness in the Griffin home. After 10 years of marriage and three children, Griffin filed for divorce from his wife Anne late Wednesday afternoon.

Ms. Griffin's attorney told Crain's that Mr. Griffin filed the suit soon after his wife and children headed out of town for a summer vacation.

“Ken Griffin unilaterally filed a divorce petition today with no notice to either me or my client, knowing full well that she had just left for summer vacation with their three young children and would therefore be unable to respond. Anne's highest priority remains her family, especially the wellbeing of her children. She is hopeful that this personal matter can be resolved privately and in the best interests of her children. We have no further comment at this time.”

A few weeks ago, Ken Griffin wrote GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner the largest campaign check ever, $2.5 million. Mrs. Griffin also supports Rauner's candidacy with her name among the list of prominent "Women for Rauner."

The Griffins became more involved in Illinois politics over the past few years.

In November 2012, Mrs. Griffin launched an activist news and opinion site "Reboot Illinois," which is also financed by Chicago billionaire Lester Crown and his son James. Despite the generous financial backing, Reboot Illinois is struggling to compete on Alexa.com ratings with other business-focused outlets in Illinois.

The Griffins gave a reported $1.5 million to the Koch Brothers' 501c3 Americans for Prosperity, hundreds of thousands to the Illinois Republican Party, and more to numerous city, state and federal candidates on both sides of the aisle.

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Illinois' largest GOP donor files for divorce

CHICAGO - Chicago hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin is rated as the world's 240th richest, but money evidently isn't buying happiness in the Griffin home. After 10 years of marriage and three children, Griffin filed for divorce from his wife Anne late Wednesday afternoon.

Ms. Griffin's attorney told Crain's that Mr. Griffin filed the suit soon after his wife and children headed out of town for a summer vacation.

“Ken Griffin unilaterally filed a divorce petition today with no notice to either me or my client, knowing full well that she had just left for summer vacation with their three young children and would therefore be unable to respond. Anne's highest priority remains her family, especially the wellbeing of her children. She is hopeful that this personal matter can be resolved privately and in the best interests of her children. We have no further comment at this time.”

A few weeks ago, Ken Griffin wrote GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner the largest campaign check ever, $2.5 million. Mrs. Griffin also supports Rauner's candidacy with her name among the list of prominent "Women for Rauner."